Posture-Induced Intraocular Pressure Changes after iStent Inject W Combined with Phacoemulsification in Open Angle...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Glaucoma Research
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Open-angle glaucoma management often involves reducing intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is a standard cataract surgery.
• The iStent inject W is a micro-invasive glaucoma surgical device.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate posture-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes following iStent inject W implantation combined with phacoemulsification in Japanese open-angle glaucoma patients.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this combined surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 15 Japanese open-angle glaucoma patients undergoing iStent inject W and phacoemulsification.
• Measurement of IOP in sitting and lateral decubitus positions using Goldmann applanation tonometer and ICare tonometer.
• Assessment of postoperative complications, visual acuity, visual field, and corneal endothelial cell density.

Main Results:

• Mean preoperative IOP decreased from 16.0 mmHg to 14.4 mmHg at 12 months postoperatively (p=0.14).
• Glaucoma medication usage significantly reduced from 2.5 to 0.5 (p<0.01).
• Postural IOP difference (sitting vs. lateral decubitus) remained stable at 3.2 mmHg pre- and post-surgery (p>0.99).

Conclusions:

• iStent inject W combined with cataract surgery offers a safe and effective method for lowering IOP and medication dependence in the short term.
• The combined procedure does not significantly alter the degree of IOP changes induced by body posture.